Euro 2012 TV Schedule: Impact Players in Tournament's 3rd Day

Euro 2012's third day of play will feature two powerhouse teams (Spain and Italy) and two lesser squads (Ireland and Croatia), and the impact players who man their side of the pitch.

Spain and Italy will do battle at 12:00 EST on ESPN. Ireland and Croatia will follow at 2:45 EST. A schedule of ESPN's Euro 2012 coverage can be found here.

The four talented teams in Group B, and Russia in Group A, have already showcased their strengths. Players have stood out from the rest, and day three will bring a fresh batch of mesmerizing skill sets.

Here are four players to watch in today's Euro battles.

Mario Balotelli

Balotelli is one of the soccer's world most gifted young players, but he seems to rub players, and coaches, the wrong direction.

For Manchester City this season, Balotelli scored 13 goals on 82 shots. As a 21-year-old he was one of the English Premier League's most fascinating, and dangerous, attackers.

He uses a flawless blend of speed, creativity, agility and strength to create space for himself. His fierce will to put the ball in the net drives his outstanding ability to separate himself from the defense.

When Balotelli's head is in the match, he can be unstoppable. He has an unlimited amount of upside, and a ton of time to realize it.

Having just eight international appearances entering this tournament could hinder Balotelli, but I doubt it.

The only thing that could possibly stop this sensational talent is himself.

Fernando Torres

Torres has suffered through an embattled, six-goal season for Chelsea. He is still one of the world's most gifted attackers, but his production has to raise some eyebrows.

Spian will need Torres to penetrate Italy's defense consistently. Gianluigi Buffon will be tough to beat in net, but Torres must give Spain a chance.

Since 2003, Torres has made 92 international appearances. He has scored 28 goals.

Despite his struggles in club play, he is easily capable of a major bounce back. He must start in Group C play.

Torres must use his superior quickness, and strength, to muscle his way into the jaws of Italy's defenders.

Watching Torres try to do so will be fun to watch.

Robbie Keane

This 31-year-old striker has 117 career appearances and 53 international goals. He is a constant presence for the Irish on the world stage.

Keane has bounced back and forth in the transfer, and loan, market the past two seasons. He has balanced his time between Major League Soccer and the English Premier League.

He isn't in his prime anymore, but Keane's vast understanding of the game gives him an irreplaceable edge.

Rising to every big occasion is an important trait, and Keane does do. He has been Ireland's backbone since 1998.

There are a glut of young phenoms to watch in this year's tournament, but make sure you spend some time watching Keane dissect defenses as well.

Luka Modric

Modric only had four goals in club play this year, but he is a prodigious talent in Croatia's midfield.

The Tottenham attacking middle-man has exceptional quickness and great downfield vision.

If you leave Modric alone in the open field, he has above-average range. Modric's confidence will inspire him to test the goalkeeper from long range.

Since 2006, Modric has made 54 appearances for Croatia's national team. He has eight goals.

In some cases, production does not tell the true tale. Modric is one of those instances. He impacts the game on both ends of the field, and commands a lot of attention.

Modric's absorption of the defense's focus has a positive impact on his teammates. Other players get open, and Croatia's attack becomes more dangerous.

Soccer fans will love Modric's array of offensive abilities.